The Pentagon on 12 February released its FY 2019 budget request. The US military is operating under FY 2017 spending levels as Congress has not enacted full year FY 2018 spending and, instead, has passed a series of continuing resolutions (CRs) that keep the government operating at FY 2017 budget levels.

The USN is requesting 24 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters in FY 2019, 10 more than the service requested in FY 2019. The navy said in its budget overview book that its strike fighter inventory management (SFIM) strategy remains challenged with Super Hornet aircraft that reach the end of their service lives before sufficient F-35 aircraft can be delivered into service.

The USN also wants 10 Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, three more than requested in FY 2018. The service said its topline increase aligns the warfighter requirement to the program of record, which is 117 total aircraft to complete in FY 2020.

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Boats

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.